Cellulitis in the nose: what to know

Cellulitis is an infection in deeper skin. Around the nose, it can follow a scratch, picking, piercing, shaving irritation, inflamed hair follicle, or another small break. The outer nose or nearby cheek may become red, warm, swollen, firm, and painful. Tenderness inside the nostril, crusting, or drainage can occur. The nose may feel blocked, but congestion alone does not establish cellulitis. A clinician can examine the skin and nostril and distinguish infection from irritation, allergy, or another cause.

Seek prompt medical advice for painful redness or swelling of the nose, especially when it is spreading or accompanied by drainage. Wash hands before touching the area and avoid picking, squeezing, piercing, or inserting products into the nostril. Do not apply leftover antibiotics or steroid cream unless prescribed for this episode. Tell the clinician about recent injuries, piercings, skin conditions, fever, and medicines. Treatment may involve prescribed antibiotics and care of the entry point.

Get urgent help for rapidly increasing nasal or facial swelling, severe pain, fever, spreading redness, eye swelling or vision change, severe headache, confusion, faintness, or vomiting. Emergency care is needed for breathing difficulty or marked drowsiness. Facial infection can extend into nearby tissues and, in serious cases, contribute to Sepsis; do not wait for symptoms to become severe.

Ask whether the infection is limited to the outer skin or also involves the nostril, what may have allowed bacteria in, and which eye or neurological symptoms require emergency care. Confirm the prescribed schedule, safe cleansing, and the point at which persistent redness needs another examination.